Westfield Matildas squad selected for AIS training camp

A 23-player squad has assembled at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra today for a four day camp (9-12 November) as the Westfield Matildas continue preparations ahead of February’s Olympic qualifiers.

The squad selected by Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic for the training camp is the latest since the Westfield Matildas returned from China where they played matches against China (D1-1) and England (L0-1) late last month.

Of the players that did not go on the recent trip to China, Stajcic has included Canberra United trio Ellie Brush, Caitlin Munoz and Ashleigh Sykes (but withdrawn for personal reasons), Sydney FC pair Leena Khamis and Teresa Polias, plus 15 year old Western Sydney Wanderers FC defender Ellie Carpenter. Goalkeeper Casey Dumont has also been brought in as she continues to recover from a knee reconstruction she underwent back in February.

“This camp is another great chance to get the players together and with the Olympic qualifiers just over three months away we need to make the most of every opportunity we get to train together and improve,” said Stajcic.

“A number of players have been impressive in the opening rounds of the Westfield W-League season and deserve their call up into camp, so it will give them a chance to come and be part of the national setup and put their best foot forward.

“We want to build greater depth in this team and have a range of options and players to choose from come the Olympic qualifying tournament, a tournament which we are under no illusions is going to be extremely difficult.”

Elise Kellond-Knight and Emily van Egmond are still in Germany playing with their respective clubs.

Football Federation Australia has also announced that the Westfield Matildas have accepted an invitation to play an international match against the Korea Republic on Sunday 29 November 2015 at Incheon Stadium in Incheon.

“There are limited opportunities to play matches against other countries before the Olympic qualifiers so we’re grateful to be able to have these games and this time over in Korea Republic,” said Stajcic.

“Korea Republic are a high quality opponent and being able to go over there and play against them will be beneficial for our preparations.”